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HTC Puffs Up Supply Of Android Marshmallow Phones With A9

HTC’s 5-inch A9 smartphone, one of the industry’s first smartphones with Android 6.0 Marshmallow OS, became available today through AT&T and Sprint, along with unlocked versions available direct to consumers from HTC.

The first two phones with Marshmallow -- the 5.7-inch Huawei-made Nexus 6P and the 5.2-inch LG-made Nexus 5X -- were unveiled in September by Google.

HTC shipments begin today for consumers who preordered the metal-chassis phone from the company’s online store starting Oct. 20, when the phone was announced.

Audio, video and photo capabilities are also among the phone’s key selling points.

Prices: HTC’s unlocked models, priced at $499, consist of an A9 that works on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks and a separate unlocked SKU for the Sprint network. HTC also plans a software update that will enable the unlocked T-Mobile/AT&T phone to operate on the Verizon network, but only in LTE mode, with full voice, data, and messaging with a previously activated SIM, a spokesperson previously said.

HTC’s unlocked models will let consumers switch carriers as well as unlock the bootloader without voiding the warranty. Come with six months of unlimited music streaming from Google Play, four color options, and Uh Oh screen-replacement plan, which lets users replace a cracked screen for free within the first 12 months of ownership.

For its part, Sprint priced the phone at $199 with two-year contract, $696 without contract, $29/month with 24-month installment-payment plan for a no-contract model, and $20/month with a 24-month lease.

AT&T priced it at $99 with two-year contract, $519 without contract, and at $17.34 and $26/month under different installment-payment options.

Key features: The phone is HTC’s first with fingerprint sensor, which supports Google’s Android Pay app.